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THIS WEEK
Mason United Methodist Church
A theologically progressive, open, and affirming faith community.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.
November 17 – November 24, 2022
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GETTING OUR DUCKS ALL IN A ROW
Thanksgiving is here, and Christmas is also here, according to Macy's, Best Buy, JC Penny, etc.... Honestly, what I'm saying is, January 1 is literally weeks away. Why is this important? Here's why:
For the past 6 months, we have all been working very hard on re-organizing our faith community in a way where everyone can feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves.
FIRST: Nominations has done a PHENOMENAL job in nominating many to serve on these administrative roles. The health of these robust teams is essential if we are to move into a "democratic" way of how the church should run, giving all of you a voice in steering this ship. Good. Check. Administrative teams will gather for their first time together in January.
NEXT: the ministerial work. There are two teams that need to be solid before January. The first is to be part of a team that reaches out into the community offering support as we are able. We have the Food Bank, but I am also making connections with organizations doing incredible work with the LGBTQ community. As a newly reconciling congregation, we have to actually do the work of "reconciling", and not just putting up a flag and saying all are welcome. This is exciting work and I know many of you are very interested in participating. Let's get organized!
AND FINALLY: connecting with the community. Mason has a history of being very active in the events of the Proctor District. From jurying the Art Festival, to the Daffodil parade, to chili during Halloween, and more! We could pick that work up again and insert ourselves to be the center of the community again. So what needs to happen? A team of people who are interested in community participation needs to be recruited. That team needs to select the activities (old and new) for the year, and put together a plan for each event. A well-planned event is a successful event. This group, ideally, will begin its work in January as well.
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Getting our ducks in a row to move back into an active and vital church requires all this "set-up." Now the work begins. 2023 can be a very exciting year if we follow through with our dreams. Del preached about unity this past Sunday, and it is in uniting for the good of Mason and a new vision for tomorrow that we will become vital, relevant, and simply a well-run machine. But the most important piece of all this preparing, is that this is when the FUN REALLY BEGINS!
Peace to you and yours this holiday season, Susan
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PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR.... | |
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WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK:
Thursday, Nov 10th– Wednesday, Nov 16th
Thursday, 11/17
No Living the Questions Classes
6:30 - Christmas Celebration Choir Rehearsal
Friday, 11/18
Church office closing at 1:30
Sunday, 11/20
10:00 - Sunday Worship Service
11:00 - Fellowship Hour
Monday, 11/21
Church office closed
Wednesday, 11/23
No Living the Questions Classes
Thursday, 11/24
Office closed for Thanksgiving
No Living the Questions Classes
Friday, 11/25
Office closed for Thanksgiving
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JOIN THE CHRISTMAS CHOIR!
Over 20 showed up for the choir's first meeting. We can grow that even more by inviting your friends and family for just this one evening to celebrate Christmas.
Practices are on Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:00, beginning on November 10th. All are welcome, regardless of musical experience—no audition required! For more information, contact Emma in the church office. Put these dates on your calendar!
Choir rehearsal dates:
Nov 17
Dec 1
Dec 8 (tentative)
Dec 15
Dec 22
Performance: Dec 24, Christmas Eve!
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THIS WEEK!!
ALL HANDS ON DECK!!!
This coming Tuesday, November 22, 7:00-8:30pm
We have been chosen to hold the Interfaith Celebration of Gratitude this year! What an honor!
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We have been sharing for a few months that Mason has the honor of hosting the community-wide multifaithservice which is focused on Gratitude. For decades, this annual gathering has brought together people of many faith traditions, and after two years of virtual-only gathering, we will come together in person! So we need your help. Providing a time for fellowship over the breaking of bread (or cookies) is a wonderful opportunity connect and let Tacoma know that we are alive and well.
Hosting will be a whole lot of work, so we will need all hands on deck to volunteer.
LET PASTOR SUSAN KNOW if you will help with setting up and breaking down.
LET PAT ROUNDY KNOW if you can volunteer for fellowship.
please contact her at 253-905-7734 or roundype@plu.edu.
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HOW WE WORSHIP................ | |
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Advent is Coming Soon! "Do Not Be Afraid"
Beginning Sunday, November 27th through Christmas Eve, we will be considering the characters in the birth stories of Jesus, who are told over and over again by God's angels that they are not to be afraid. Afraid of what? That's what we'll be pondering this Advent season. Join us, and for this special season, and be sure to invite a friend.
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Whole Worship Video from
November 16th
The Adhesive Faith
Guest Preacher: Dr. Rev. Del Permann
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Sermon-Only Video November 13th
The Adhesive Faith
Guest Preacher: Dr. Rev. Del Permann
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Manuscript from Sunday, November 13
not available. Thanks for your understanding!
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WEEK of November 13th, 2022
In attendance:
32 adults
4 leaders of worship
4 children
3 caretakers
TOTAL: 43
Facebook attendance is unknown.
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Your Generosity is Greatly Appreciated!
Click below to go directly to
Paypal on our website.
Paypal on Mason's Website
Earn all you can. Save all you can.
Give all you can. - John Wesley
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SERVICE IS AVAILABLE ON FACEBOOK LIVE.
JOIN US EVERY SUNDAY AT 10:00
Be sure to make a comment so we can record your attendance.
Here is a link to our Facebook page.
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HOW WE LEARN................ | |
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LIVING THE QUESTIONS -
We will be taking a break. Our next classes will be on
Wednesday, November 30th and Thursday, December 1st
Below is the reading for November 30th and December 1:
(click title) Evil Suffering and a God of Love
AFTERNOON EVENING
Wed from 12:30 – 2:00pm. Wed. from 5:30 – 7:00pm
Thurs. from 1:00 – 2:30pm. Thurs. from 6:30 – 8:00pm
Join us anytime in person OR by ZOOM - (Click Here for ZOOM link)
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General Board of Church and Society (GBCS)
is a general agency of the United Methodist Church. There are five divisions within the GBCS: Public Witness and Advocacy, Administration, Ministry of Resourcing Congregational Life, United Nations Ministry and Communications.
| To learn more about the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, go to their website at this link: General Board of Church and Society | |
HOW WE SERVE................ | |
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MAUA METHODIST HOSPITAL in Maua, Kenya
Pastor Susan is going to Kenya on a mission trip with the Volunteers in Mission of the United Methodist Church. There is a need to raise money for the hospital in Maua Methodist Church, medical vaccinations, and building supplies. The information for the work and ministry that continues to happen through teams from the northwest is attached. Just click to open.
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A GIFT FOR YOUR GENEROSITY | | |
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Pastor Susan has been busy quilting gifts. From wall hangings to lots of bowl coozies, you are invited to make a donation and help yourself to a gift or two (depending on the size of your donation.) Requests can be made. Just ask Pastor Susan. | |
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How to send your support: CHECKS CAN BE MADE OUT TO:
First United Methodist Church of Portland
BE SURE TO NOTE THE CHECK IS FOR “KENYA VIM TEAM 2023”
AND MAILED TO:
FUMCPDX. c/o Paul and Kathleen Cosgrove
6211 Buena Vista Drive
Vancouver, WA 98661
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Can you believe it? We're talking about decorating for Christmas! Krista, Marian Berry, Alice Newkirk and Gail Simpson are planning the decorating project for Advent/Christmas.
We'll continue decorating each Sunday of Advent so join us for ont fun on Sunday, November 27th.
Stick around after the service and help out!
If you have questions, please reach out to Marian Berry.
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This Advent and Christmas season, we want to display your family’s nativity scenes! We will have a table set up at the front of the altar so all can admire Mason’s nativity scenes. If you have a piece you would like to showcase for the weeks leading up to Christmas, please reach out to Gail Simpson. | |
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DON'T FORGET YOUR CHANGE FOR HEIFER INTERNATIONAL!
The children are collecting change on Sunday mornings to buy an animal from Heifer International for Christmas. Whatever amount they collect at the end of the season will be used by the foundation to purchase a chicken, goat, cow, or other livestock animal for an impoverished family. Don't forget to look in your couch cushions for extra quarters. Every dime counts!
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BLESSING BAGS FOR UNHOUSED PEOPLE
This is an Outreach Ministry that we can all participate in.
Good news: Lynn Stetson and Gail Simpson will be sharing the coordinator role to get this ministry going. We will put out a bin or box so we can collect the following supplies for our houseless and impoverished neighbors:
socks, protein bars, tissues, hand sanitizer, bottled water, feminine hygiene products, dog food, gallon zip lock bags, deodorant, first aid supplies, hand/foot warmers, and any other essentials that people might need.
When we have our supplies, we will regularly hold an assembly line to fill the bags for all of us to take and keep in our cars. STAY TUNED!
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H.U.G.S. Tree
This holiday season, we are accepting donations of hats, underwear, gloves, and socks in the foyer. Donations of warm clothes can quite literally save a life when temperatures drop—especially as an increasing number of our neighbors and their families face evictions, houselessness, and sweeps of encampments this winter. If you are able, please be generous in donating items to this ministry.
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SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP AFTER WORSHIP RETURNS!
We are excited to announce that we are now offering fellowship after worship again. If you would like to host on a Sunday, you can do so by signing up in the narthex. For any questions, contact Sandy Roszman, as she is the coordinator of this ministry.
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A Musical Update from Emma
Dear Mason Church,
I’m excited to give you an update on all the musical events we have coming up in the next several weeks. There are Mason UMC events, as well as concerts by groups we’re hosting. Mark your calendars and join us for a season of music and joy!
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Thursday Evenings – First and foremost, our own Christmas Choir is up and running. Under the direction of Mike Collier, we’re preparing several pieces to sing for our Christmas Eve service. We’re meeting Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm, and there is still time to join in. No worries if you don’t have musical or singing experience—there are no auditions or sign-ups required.
Sundays of Advent – Pastor Susan and I are working on bringing you a special music series for the season of Advent, and we want Mason musicians front and center. If you have any musical talents to share with the church, please let us know; we would love to feature you! If you want to participate, please email me at admin@masonchurch.org.
Saturday 11/19 – On Saturday, November 19th, Cora Voce will be performing in our Sanctuary. This choral group has been rehearsing and performing at Mason for many years, and we are delighted to host their concerts once again after the pandemic years.
Tuesday 11/22 – As you may already know, we will be hosting Associated Ministries’ Interfaith Celebration of Gratitude next Tuesday, 11/22. This event will feature our own Margaret Nelson on the bagpipes, and there will be offerings from a variety of faith traditions—musical selections, prayers, and rituals. The service starts at 7:00. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to Pat Roundy.
Sunday 12/4 – We’ve been invited to join in a sing-along (or listen-along) of Handel’s Messiah held by our neighbors at Christ Lutheran Church. This event is on December 4th at 2:00pm in Lakewood. Admission is free, and if you don’t have your own score, music will be provided.
Sunday 12/18 – I will be performing a Christmas Organ Concert on December 18th at 5:00pm, right here at Mason. I’m excited to share familiar favorites by Bach, Corelli, and Holst, as well as some of my current favorite Christmas pieces by 20th century and living composers.
Monday 12/19 – Tacoma Youth Chorus will be holding a holiday concert in our Sanctuary on December 19th. This group has performed in our space in past seasons, and we are happy to welcome them back.
Sunday 12/25 – On Christmas Day, we will have a special performance by our Bell Choir.
I’m looking forward to all these events, and I hope to see you there!
Best,
Emma
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HOW WE LEAD................
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4TH AFTER WORSHIP.
ALL COMMITTEES SHOULD SEND THEIR WORKSHEETS IN TO EMMA ASAP.
Please note that the Charge Conference times have been moved earlier in the day.
LEAD TEAM WILL MEET AT 11:15 WITH THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT.
ALL CHURCH MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE MEETING AT 12:00.
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Finance, Trustees and Lead Team meetings are listed on the calendar at the head of the newsletter. All are welcome to attend any meeting other than nominations and SPRC. Hope you'll come and learn more about how Mason works. | |
HOW WE PRAY................ | |
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PRAYER IS IMPORTANT TO US
BECAUSE WE ARE A FAITH FAMILY.
Families share what's happening in our lives, and since we are a church family, we too can share our joys and concerns with one another.
JOYS:
- Chandler celebrates two things: that he came to church last week, and also that Christmas is coming up soon!
- Dana Lede is grateful that Emmie and Lloyd have both recovered, after having been sick
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Tarycca Queree celebrated one year at her job as a lead teacher at Champions Before & After School Program.
CONCERNS:
- The Queree family lifts up Wilson, who is father, grandfather, and great grandfather to the family, as he is sick and in the ICU.
- Dana prays for students and staff in schools all over the country who worry about gun violence.
- We lift our prayers for people of Ukraine & Ethiopia as they recover from the aftermath of war.
- Please pray for Baby Casey, who was born with serious anomalies.
- Prayer requests for Dan, who has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
- Please send prayers and comfort to the Permann family as they honor the life of Peggy Breannin.
- Prayers and concern for Susan & Ken Boegli on the death of Ken’s mother this week.
- We continue to pray for the family of Virginia Nisker, who passed away recently. Virginia’s service is at 11am on Saturday, December 3rd at Tacoma Bible Presbyterian Church—6202 S Tyler St.
- Barbara Cramer asks for prays for her sister, Carole, who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She is having a difficult time with the new diagnosis.
- Mary and Denny Denend share that Mounnie Denend, mother of their grand kids, passed away this week.
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OTHER STUFF................
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PASTOR'S OFFICE HOURS set aside for you.
Sunday from 11:00 - 1:00
Tuesday from 10:00 - 12:00
Thursday from 4:30 - 6:30
The church office will still be operating regular hours:
Tuesday - Friday from 9:00am - 2:00pm.
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PASS THIS ON
Want to be a part of reviving Mason? Want to fill the sanctuary with folks who wish to live a meaningful life? There's one little thing you can do to help make that happen. It only takes seconds. Forward this newsletter to two people this week. Don't fear judgment. We're all judged no matter what we do; just do it. Just spread the Word without words.
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EARN ALL YOU CAN.
SAVE ALL YOU CAN.
GIVE ALL YOU CAN.
Please continue to make contributions to the church as you are able.
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